Bush Declares Northern Maine Federal Disaster after Floods

President Bush declared a northern Maine county a federal disaster on Friday after historic flooding that destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes this month.

The declaration makes federal assistance available in Aroostook County for temporary housing, repairs and disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been in the state assessing damage.

When he sought the federal declaration, Gov. John Baldacci estimated that more than 200 homes were damaged and that as many as 1,000 people were displaced.

An aerial estimate indicated more than 400 structures were probably damaged. The flood also damaged many roads and bridges.

“I have not ever seen such extraordinary damage to so many homes, buildings and infrastructure in our state,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.